Berlin, Jul 2 (IANS): Arsenal's Johan Djourou has joined Hamburg on a season-long loan, the German club announced.
The 26-year-old defender passed a medical check-up before signing with the Rothosen Monday. In addition the club ensured an option to buy the Swiss international after the 2013-2014 season, reports Xinhua.
Djourou is familiar with the German Bundesliga having already played six months on loan at Hannover last season.
"Johan was our desired candidate in defence. He will be a key part of our squad. He has leadership abilities, he is fast and he is good in the air," Hamburg's sporting director Oliver Kreutzer said on the club's homepage.
"I am happy that everything is signed and sealed now. Hamburg is a big club with a lot of quality and great fans. This is another important step in my career," Djourou said.
Hamburg finished last season in seventh position with 48 points.